Donna Mae Arndt

Donna Mae Arndt (nee Payne)

Was called home to heaven unexpectedly on August 24, 2025 in Arizona at the age of 82. She was born in 1943 to Elmer and Celia (Martinkoski) Payne in South Milwaukee Hospital, the youngest of 5 children. She was a lifelong resident of Cudahy until she moved to Madison in 2020 to be with her daughter, grandchild and great-grandchildren.

Donna first married Bruce Langsdorf, and they had 3 children. Then, on September 30, 1965 she married Neil Arndt, and they had 1 child. They celebrated 54 years of marriage together before he passed away in 2020.

Donna worked at a variety of jobs, many in Cudahy. At the end of her career she was the maintenance administrator for Johnson Controls, assigned to the US Bank Center in downtown Milwaukee. On the morning that the World Trade Centers were attacked the Milwaukee skyscraper was ordered to be emptied, and she was the last employee to leave the building, having assured that everyone else got out safely. After her retirement she became a daily volunteer serving meals at the Kelly Senior Center in Cudahy, so much so that they hired her to run the program. She was a beloved fixture there.

She enjoyed trips with her children and grandchildren: a week in Bonaire; 3 winters in Cozumel, and 1 in Arizona (2021); and, just 11 days before her passing, a 9 day Alaska cruise. She also spent the last winter happily with her eldest brother Ken at his home in Arizona.

Donna was a gifted fabric artist, and taught quilting at the Senior Center. We will be comforted by her beautiful quilts, and our memories.

Donna is survived by her children: Deb Gunther (Matt Gazo), Dwayne (Jacquie) Langsdorf, and Michelle (Dean) Katzka; her daughter-in-law, Roberta Sell; and her grandchildren: Carmen, Ian, Jalaina, Brent Jr., Jesse, Jed, Dustin, Ariana, Daniel, Cora, and Kenzie. She is further survived by great-grandchildren, her brothers Richard (Gloria) Payne and Kenneth Payne, and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her siblings Judith and L. Dennis, her son Brent Langsdorf (and his late wife Cindy), and her stepchildren Alan and Patricia.

Her celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 11 at Nativity of The Lord Catholic Church, 3672 E Plankinton Ave, Cudahy. Reception at 10:30AM, mass at noon. (If you have one of her quilts, we would be honored to see it at the church.) Graveside services follow, at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Catholic Charities of Milwaukee, at https://www.ccmke.org/